Kiplin Doriga, a wicketkeeper-batsman from Papua New Guinea, has been formally charged with robbery following a September 2025 incident that occurred in St. Helier, Jersey, as part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League.  Doriga, 29, was arrested in the wee hours of August 25, 2025, and consequently made an appearance in court before a magistrate on August 27. 

Doriga pleaded guilty, but the court indicated the level of alleged crime was too serious for the magistrate to deal with, and therefore, the matter has been referred to a royal court, where there will be another scheduled hearing on November 28, 2025. Das not bail nor am I in custody until an off-form of November hearing is at hand. 

Doriga is a senior member of PNG cricket and has represented the country in the 2021 T20 World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup. He has also played 39 ODIs and 43 T20Is for PNG and amassed over 1,000 runs (2589) in international matches. While his recent arrest has thrown a spanner into PNG's readiness to face Canada and pertaining to the contest in Jersey, Cricket PNG has indicated the situation is an individual incident, and the team is independent of his circumstance, in regard to the completion and participation once the tournament is confirmed to generate funds for families.

Papua New Guinea’s Challenge League Performance

Papua New Guinea had a mixed overall performance in the CWC Challenge League. They played a total of nine matches during their two phases of the tournament and came away with four wins, four losses, and one no result. They finish the first phase with nine points and a net run rate of -0.131

ALSO SEE: India set for asia cup 2025 without jersey sponsor as BCCI plans ahead

PNG got off to a good start in the September-October 2024 leg of the tournament, winning matches against Denmark, Qatar, Kuwait, and Kenya. They were on song with bat and ball, and expectations were high for a good finish. However, the 2025 phase in Jersey proved tricky for PNG, as they lost to Denmark, Kuwait, and Jersey, the last being a heavy defeat by 160 runs, and rain washed out their encounter with Kenya.

Despite the inconsistencies of the side, there were some outstanding individual achievements. Captain Assad Vala led all comers with the bat with 213 runs at 35.50, which included an innings of 129 not out. Seam bowler Kabua Morea was also outstanding, taking 23 wickets at 16.08. Underlined his worth to the side as PNG’s go-to bowler.

Tournament Context

The Challenge League forms an important part of the ICC’s pathway for associate nations with a goal to qualify for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. PNG still remains in the qualification picture but will need to be more consistent in the final phase in Qatar next year.

For the last few weeks, the talk of the town has only been around the Indian ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, who, according to several reports, is not in the plans of the Indian side for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The veteran has already hung up his shoes from the shortest and longest formats of the game. 

Rohit, after lifting the title during the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States of America, beating South Africa in the final, decided to end his T20I career before taking another such decision in the red-ball format just weeks before the start of the five-match away Test series against England.

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Both these decisions come for the veteran to keep full focus on the ODI format, where he aims to make an impact during the next World Cup, especially after losing the 2023 edition’s final against Australia in Ahmedabad, despite being unbeaten for the entire tournament. But the BCCI seems to have a different plan regarding this.

Rohit Sharma not in the BCCI plans for 2027 ODI World Cup: Reports

A few reports also claimed that the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia down under could also prove to be an acid test for the Nagpur-born. If he doesn’t do well with the bat in those three fixtures, then it will be tough for him to stay in the national side. It has also been informed that BCCI wants the batter to go to the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 for Mumbai.

ROHIT Not In Scheme Of 2027 WORLD CUP - TOP BCCI SOURCE

Thank You 🙏 pic.twitter.com/liHpHDx4H7

— Vaibhav Bhola 🇮🇳 (@VibhuBhola) August 20, 2025

Under Rohit, the Blue Brigade recently won the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, beating New Zealand in the final. In terms of his performance, the Mumbai batter is the tenth leading run-getter of the format in world cricket with the help of 11168 runs in 265 innings at an average of 48.76 and a strike rate of 92.80 with 32 centuries and 58 half-centuries.

Shubman Gill has already become India’s vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025. He is the frontrunner to take the captaincy role in ODIs in the future. If Rohit doesn’t turn up well in Australia, then it could be curtains for the Champions Trophy-winning veteran captain of the Indian side.

For the last couple of days, the reports have claimed that India’s two veteran batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, are expected to retire from the ODI format. It has been revealed that the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia down under could prove to be their last appearance in the 50-over format if they don’t do well.

Rohit has earned success as the batter and captain of the side in the last 18 months, having led the side to the runners-up end of the World Cup 2023 at home before lifting the title in the Champions Trophy 2025, beating New Zealand in the final. But since then, he has retired from the longest format of the game just before the England series.

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Amidst all the speculations, a video has gone viral which shows Rohit Sharma talking about his future in the 50-over format just after winning the Champions Trophy 2025. The Nagpur-born reckoned that if they keep on winning, then he won’t retire from the ODIs at all. His eyes are on the upcoming 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Watch: Rohit Sharma drops hint of playing ODI World Cup 2027

Rohit is one of the most successful members of the Indian ODI side. He is the tenth leading run-getter of the Blue Brigade with the help of 11168 runs in 265 innings at an average of 48.76 and a strike rate of 92.80 with the help of 32 centuries and 58 half-centuries at the best score of 264 runs against Sri Lanka.

Rohit: Har baar jitenge to har baar retirement thodi lunga 😭❤️

2027 WC dream is still on🔥🧿

pic.twitter.com/70QnvXM9V7

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) August 15, 2025

Reports claimed that the selection committee wants the veteran to feature in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 to keep the shape and rhythm with the bat before the upcoming home series against South Africa and the New Zealand series. Having taken retirements from two formats, he won’t find it easy to keep the same flow going.

Rohit hasn’t revealed anything about his ODI future. But with two months to go, the final decision is yet to be taken. As of now, it’s confirmed that he and Kohli will surely play the ODI World Cup 2027.

Rohit Sharma could soon be back in domestic cricket, with reports suggesting the India ODI captain may turn out for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled to start on December 24. The development comes amid murmurs about his and Virat Kohli’s future in the 50-over format, with the 2027 ODI World Cup four years away.

The BCCI, keen to keep senior players match-ready, is reportedly considering asking both stalwarts to feature in the premier domestic List-A competition. The logic is simple: consistent game time at all levels will help assess whether the veterans still have the form and fitness to remain part of India’s long-term ODI plans.

For Rohit, this could be a significant return. The last time he played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was in October 2018, when Mumbai won the tournament. He featured in two knockout matches that season, remaining unbeaten on 33 in the quarter-final against Bihar and scoring 17 in the semi-final against Hyderabad. He missed the final due to national duty, as India faced the West Indies in an ODI the very next day.

Kohli’s Vijay Hazare absence has been even longer; he last played for Delhi in February 2010, scoring 16 against Services. Should the selectors insist on their participation in 2025-26, it would mark a rare domestic one-day appearance for both.

ALSO SEE: From the archive: Full scorecard of Virat Kohli's last domestic List A match

Domestic Return Hinges on Form and 2027 World Cup Plans

India’s schedule complicates matters. After ODIs against Australia in October and South Africa in late November-early December, the Vijay Hazare Trophy will slot in before the New Zealand ODI series starting January 11. Realistically, if Rohit and Kohli are selected for that series, their availability for most VHT games will be minimal.

At this stage, the prospect of seeing the two legends play in the competition depends on two factors: their ODI form in the upcoming six matches before the VHT, and the selectors’ vision for the 2027 World Cup. If they fire against Australia and South Africa, the domestic outing may become unnecessary. But if it runs dry, the VHT could become their proving ground.

For now, Mumbai fans can only hope the possibility turns into reality, a chance to see Rohit Sharma don the Mumbai colours in the Vijay Hazare Trophy once again.

The talk has turned serious: the two current cornerstones of Indian cricket (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) may not be in the picture for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. It has been suggested that the three-match ODI series against Australia (in October this year 2025) could be their last unless they play the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy to show their form and fitness.

In a world where fans have watched these two potentially carry Indian cricket's batting hopes for more than a decade, the idea is nothing short of earth-shattering. Kohli and Rohit have already said goodbye to T20Is and Tests, assuming we will ever see them in white-ball cricket is a little hard to imagine, it is like imagining a stage play without its lead actors. While it is paramount that young talent is produced and that succession planning is undertaken, there are compelling reasons why Indian cricket should keep the door significantly ajar for these two greats.

1. The Ultimate Big-Tournament Players

World Cups are not just another series; there is nothing bigger in the game. In the years to come, Kohli and Rohit have delivered much more than consistently.

• Rohit Sharma was the top scorer in the 2019 edition with five centuries - you have to qualify anyone in World Cup history, intellectual and real.
• Virat Kohli has held the fort with vital chases almost every ICC tournament since then; his record in knockouts speaks volumes about his mental resolve.

When the pressure cooker is turned on maximum and your allotment for mistakes is zero, these are the people who have continually risen in times of critical action. Sure, the kids may have the skills, but this type of temperament only comes with experience.

2. Age Does Not Equal Decline

In 2027, Rohit will be 40, and Kohli will be 39, ages when athletes in cricket phase into their final stretch. We have also communicated that fitness training and fitness recovery are different beasts today, with the methods available in a constantly changing landscape of recovery. Kohli has changed the narrative when it comes to Indian cricket’s culture of fitness and performance. Kohli has reimagined fitness, exhibiting undeniable endurance and exceptional agility. Rohit, though he has had an injury here and there, remains a sharp cricketer in the field of play and runs between the wickets.

Presently, many greats in the game have been playing at the world-class level into their late thirties and early forties all around the globe. At forty, Misbah-ul-Haq led Pakistan to a World Cup semi-final, and Chris Gayle was playing T20 World Cups at forty-two. It should be on form and fitness, and not a calendar birth date.

3. Their ODI Fortress is Still Unassailable

These two players are not just veterans; they are still among the top players in the format:

• Virat Kohli 302 matches, 14,181 runs, average 57.88, 51 hundreds.
• Rohit Sharma 273 matches, 11,168 runs, average 48.76, 32 hundreds, and the only player in history with three ODI double hundreds.

These are not the numbers of two players living on past reputations - these numbers are active evidence of world-class contribution. 

ALSO SEE: Four shortest ODIs to be played between two full member nations in the 21st century (in terms of balls)

4. Leadership and Mentorship

Even if the management is looking to bring in some new leadership for Shubman Gill or another new captain, taking Rohit and Kohli along to the squad for 2027 could be a huge benefit. They could help mentor the developing batters, particularly in the higher-pressure phases of the tournament. They could provide feedback for tactical decisions.

The combination of youthful exuberance and experienced calm normally wins tournaments; it's the combination that has seen India win the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011.

5. Transition is Easiest When it is Ongoing

Cricketing transitions are the most effective when done with care. The evolution from Sachin-Dravid-Ganguly-Laxman to Dhoni-Kohli-Rohit did not occur spontaneously. The senior players remained long enough for the next generation to step in while still being able to provide on-field support.

Elimination of Rohit and Kohli at the same time would create a leadership void and not allow younger players to take advantage of learning from two of the best limited-overs batters in history.

6. The 2027 World Cup Will be in South Africa

South African conditions typically require experience and adaptability; the pitches can be problematic with decent pace and seaming movement. If we factor in Rohit's security in Australian and South African conditions, along with Kohli's phenomenal overall overseas batting aggregate, India has an intrinsic advantage in terms of overcoming challenges. The proven ability to adapt is likely to be the defining competence in close-fought contests.

No one can say Indian cricket lacks young batting talent: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, and so on, but let’s be clear: we are not looking to the 2027 World Cup for an investment in the future. We are looking to win in the present, when the tournament arrives.

If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are still fit, motivated, and making runs, they have to be in that squad. Leaving them out simply for the sake of transition can be reckless and ultimately costly in terms of whether India is successful in winning the trophy. Great players can produce moments that change the game under extreme pressure.

A world of difference exists between people seeing Kohli punching the air after a winning cover drive, and Rohit raising the bat again for another century, compared to just being beautiful memories. They are much more defined as to why they should be on that biggest stage, one last time.

Former India chief selector Chetan Sharma has supported Virat Kohli and believes Kohli should consider participating in the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup if he stays fit and is in form.

Speaking in an interview, Sharma said, “If Virat Kohli is fit, then why shouldn’t he play in the 2027 World Cup? Look, age is just a number. If the selectors believe that a player is fit and Virat himself feels that his body is fine, then he should definitely play.”

Kohli, who will be 39 at the time of the 2027 edition, continues to be one of the best ODI run-scorers in ODI cricket history. As of August 2025, he has amassed over 14,000 ODI runs at an average of nearly 58 with 51 centuries, which is second to Sachin Tendulkar. He has exhibited his ability and hunger for the game with some match-winning innings in the last two years, including during the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Sharma stressed that the final call will depend on Kohli’s own assessment of his body and mindset. “Virat knows himself better than anyone. He will only take the field if he is sure he can win matches for India,” he added.

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Chetan Sharma Sees No Age Barrier for Kohli’s 2027 World Cup Dream

The former selector also highlighted the importance of balancing experience with youth. While the 2027 World Cup, to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, could be a platform for the next generation of Indian cricketers, Sharma believes the presence of a seasoned campaigner like Kohli could be invaluable in high-pressure situations.

India’s selectors will face tough decisions in the coming years, especially with limited ODI fixtures on the calendar. Form, fitness, and team combination will all play key roles in determining whether Kohli gets one final shot at World Cup glory.

For now, the message from Chetan Sharma is clear – if the body holds up and the runs keep coming, there’s no reason to rule Virat Kohli out of the 2027 World Cup. After all, in cricket, as Sharma puts it, “age is just a number.”

The island of Jersey is going to hold an important leg of the 2024–2026 ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League in Group A, as the nations will compete in the second round of matches towards the 2027 Cricket World Cup. The event is to coincide with the tournament taking place in August 2025, and will host 15 List A matches over two weeks of cricket, at two beautiful venues, Grainville Cricket Ground in St Saviour and Farmers Cricket Club Ground in St Martin. The competing nations, Denmark, Jersey, Kenya, Kuwait, Papua New Guinea and Qatar, will compete for the top positions in the table, as they aim towards the World Cup, over the two-week period of cricket.

A Tournament with Stakes

This round of Challenge League A is significant, as we reach the halfway stage of the tournament. Only the one team that finishes at the top of the group will qualify for the next round of FIFA World Cup qualification, so every match is important in determining who emerges as the group leader. Jersey will be hoping to utilise local knowledge of the pitches and the support of the home crowd. The competition remains stiff, though, with PNG, Kenya and Denmark also putting together strong teams.

Full Schedule – 2025 Jersey Challenge League A

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Points Table – League A (as of 5 October 2024)

The Road Ahead

As each match carries List A status, players will be even more motivated to improve their individual stats while contributing to their team's qualification journey. There are very few things which can motivate performance as much as rankings and stats, and this tournament signifies another growing chapter for Associate cricket in which every player is looking to step onto the world stage. Jersey is ready. The teams are ready. And the road to the World Cup just got a little bit hotter.

It was just around the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 when Rohit Sharma, the then Indian captain in Test cricket, decided to announce his retirement from the red-ball format. It took Virat Kohli, another veteran batter and the former captain of the side, another three weeks to hang up his shoes in the five-day format.

Both Rohit and Virat Kohli retired after the Blue Brigade’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA). The plan for both the experienced right-handed batters was to be part of the 50-over formats only with an eye to the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. But questions have started to arise on that.

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The reports claimed that the national side was scheduled for a white-ball series in Bangladesh, just after the end of the five-match Test series in England. It could have been the best opportunity for both veterans to make a return to the ODI side. Undoubtedly, they will be important for both the Indian side during the World Cup.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to be retired from ODIs? - Reports

There is no possibility of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, and whether there will be any participation from the Indian side. That’s where the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) proposed a white-ball short trip to Sri Lanka, to keep the batters in shape and rhythm for the upcoming games. They will also make a tour to Australia for the ODI and T20I series just after the end of the home series against the West Indies.

Both the right-handed batters are vital for the team’s cause. The Delhi-born is the third leading run-getter of the 50-over format with 14181 runs in 290 innings at an average of nearly 58 and a strike rate of over 93, with the help of 51 centuries and 74 half-centuries at the best score of 183 runs. On the other hand, Rohit is tenth on the list with 11168 runs in 265 innings at an average of 48.74 and a strike rate of nearly 93, shouldering 32 centuries and 58 fifties.

The 2027 ODI World Cup will be the last 50-over ICC event for both the batters, and they may look to hang up their boots after that. However, if the reports have claimed the right picture, then the two veterans perhaps had already played their last fixture for India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wished the best for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 co-hosts Namibia. Also, he has extended the country's hand to the growth of cricket in Namibia. 

PM Modi is visiting the Southern African country Namibia at the invitation of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The Indian PM has been conferred with the highest civilian honour in Namibia, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis.

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Wishing Namibia great success in co-hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup: PM Narendra Modi

In this special visit, the Indian PM had a speech where he included the best wishes for their co-hosting the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be their first ever ICC tournament hosting in senior cricket. Namibia will host this tournament with the Test-playing nations South Africa and Zimbabwe, where 14 teams will participate in the tournament.  

Namibia: PM Narendra Modi says, "I conclude by wishing Namibia great success in co-hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup. And if your Eagles need any cricket tips — you know whom to call!" pic.twitter.com/R6knyHKlZ1

— IANS (@ians_india) July 9, 2025

However, unlike the Test-playing members or ICC Full Members South Africa and Zimbabwe, who have earned the direct qualification for the 14-team tournament ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, the Associate Member Namibia will have to participate in the Qualifiers to qualify for the 14th edition of the ODI World Cup. Three Namibian venues are expected to host the next ODI World Cup, including FNB Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek. 

Namibia in international cricket

Namibia have played one Men's ODI World Cup in 2003, when South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya co-hosted the tournament, and the last three Men's T20 World Cups (2021, 2022, and 2024). 

While Namibia men's U19 team is known as one of the best associates, the country will co-host the upcoming ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 with Zimbabwe.

Sourav Ganguly: 2027 World Cup Won’t Be Easy for Rohit and Kohli

Sourav Ganguly has said that the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup won’t be as easy for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as many people think. Their recent retirement from Test cricket just a week apart made headlines and gave fans hope that the two legends are saving their energy for one last World Cup. But Ganguly feels it’s not that simple.

By the time the next World Cup arrives, Kohli will be 39 and Rohit will be 40. Staying fit and match-ready at that age is tough. Even though they won’t be playing Tests or T20s anymore, Ganguly pointed out that they’ll still need to play around 27 ODIs before the tournament, and maybe even more if the schedule changes.

“It’s not going to be easy. Playing 15 ODIs a year is a lot,” Ganguly said. “I don’t need to give them advice they know the game well. But we all have to accept that one day, they will walk away from cricket, and the game will move on too.”

Ganguly predicts it's difficult for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma till 2027.

With only handful of matches every year now. Each match performance matters since there is a lot of competition nowpic.twitter.com/e6Ao5Gx76w

— Forever_ICT (@loyal_cskian) June 22, 2025

Besides ODIs, Rohit and Kohli will also play in the IPL. It may not directly help their ODI form, but staying on the field and playing competitive cricket will definitely help them stay sharp. Their decision to retire from Test cricket also makes sense. Rohit’s Test form had dipped, and Kohli struggled with balls outside off stump, especially in Australia. Playing all formats was becoming harder with age.

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Still, they are both very strong in ODIs. In the recent Champions Trophy, Kohli scored 218 runs with a century, while Rohit scored 180, including a vital 76 in the final. They also did well in the 2023 World Cup at home. With series in Australia and New Zealand coming up, it won’t be easy. But if they stay fit and focused, winning the 2027 World Cup could be the perfect way to end their amazing careers.